In addition to the self-shading design features, the office buildings will also include "hidden hatches" next to the windows that will allow for natural ventilation.

The facades of the buildings in the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport business district are meant to subtly reference the patterns seen in a bamboo forest, according to the architects. “The self-shading shape of the flower building has led to a façade with smaller openings on the upper floors for efficient energy consumption,” MVRDV explains. In addition to the self-shading design features, the office buildings will also include “hidden hatches” next to the windows that will allow for natural ventilation.

The new development will be built around a sunken plaza, which will feature wide stairs that will double as seating areas. The central plaza will be surrounded by office buildings and thus protected from vehicle traffic. A pedestrian route meanders through the development, leading to a shopping center, which is being designed by Aedas. The business district is expected to achieve three stars, which is the highest possible ranking in the Chinese Green Building Label.